Playground and gymnastic equipment for tumbling exercises



Mal -ch 12, 1968 J. MURPHY "3,372,926

PLAYGROUND AND GYMNASTIC EQUIPMENT FOR TUMBLING EXERCISES Filed D80. 28, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet l mvem'on R Y ouo J. RPHY av M ATTORNEY March 12, 1968 R.J. MURPHY 3,

PLAYGROUND AND GYMNASTIC EQUIPMENT FOR TUMBLING EXERCISES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I Filed Dec. 28, 1965 FIG?) FIG. 2

INVENTOR ATTORNEY March 12, 1968 R. J. MURPHY 3,

PLAYGROUND AND GYMNASTIC EQUIPMENT FOR TUMBLING EXERCISES 4 Sheets-Sheet 5' Filed Dec. 28, 1965 INVENTOR RAYMOND MURPHY BY V ATTORNEY March 12, 1968 R. J. MURPHY 3,372,926

PLAYGROUND AND GYMNASTIC EQUIPMENT FOR TUMBLING EXERCISES Filed Dec. 28, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 vmvsm'ow RAYMOND" J u BY m \(d- URPHY ATTDRMEY FIG. 5

'and can be used by United States Patent 3,372,926 PLAYGROUND AND GYMNASTEC EQUIIMENT FOR TUMBLING EXERCISES Raymond J. Murphy, Bonne Terre, Mo. (20412 Craimer Laue, Huntington Beach, Caiif. 92646) Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 2%,328, June 10, 1963. This application Dec. 28, 1965, Ser. No. 516,937

21 Claims. (Cl. 272--60) This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in playground and gymnastic equipment for tumbling exercises and, more particularly, to a gymnastic tumbling device on which a child or adolescent can practice and carry out various types of tumbling exercises independent of any outside assistance or coachmg.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my c0- pending application Ser. No. 286,828, filed June 10, 1963, and now abandoned.

In the general range of physical fitness programs, the gymnastic art of tumbling has been found to possess a number of uniquely desirable characteristics. Tumbling not only requires a degree of skill which involves progressive learning, but also utilizes practically all of the muscles of the human body in such a manner as to strengthen them and render them supple without producing the unsightly enlargement which is frequently associated with other types of exercise or vigorous sports. Moreover, tumbling not only develops a high degree of power, elasticity and strength in the skeletal muscles, but also it induces great fluidity and grace of movement, thereby beneficially affecting the carriage and bearing of the individual in all aspects of daily life. Up to the present time, however, tumbling, which is one of the basic skills of the gymnast, has not been widely adopted in this country by reason of the fact that it is somewhat difficult to teach and practice. Heretofore, tumbling has been developed either in private gymnastic societies or as part of a secondary school program of gymnastic instruction, inasmuch as it requires the use of heavy protective mats which are ordinarily placed upon the floor or ground and also necessitates the use of so-called tumbling belts which enable the beginner to learn various elementary movements, such as somersaulting. Unfortunately, tumbling belts, as heretofore used, involve rather complicated expensive installations in an indoor gymnasium and require the attention of one or two instructors for safe and proper use. This, of course, means that the beginner must have the individual attention and assistance of an instructor or some advanced student and, therefore, cannot practice at home or utilize such practice in anyway as a recreational activity.

Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a relatively simple and. inexpensive, device which can. be used by an individual for learnand practicing the gymnastic art. of tumbling. without requiring the assistance of other persons; the provision of a device of the type stated which is rugged, durable, and economical; the provision of a device. of the type stated which can be constructed at moderate cost and can be set up in any backyard, playground, gymnasium. or play area in a. short time and with a minimum of mechanical skill or manual effort; the provision of a device of the type stated: which is entirely safe a beginner without any risk of personal danger or risk of physical injury; the provision. of a tumbling device which can be utilized toinstruct the. art of tumbling to a plurality of students at one time; and the provision of a tumbling and twisting belt which. is comfortable and embraces the tumblers waist with a minimum amount of manipulation of fastening devices and 3,372,926 Patented Mar. 12, 1968 the like. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which several of various possible embodiments of the invention are illustrated,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tumbling device constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is aside elevational view of a carriage and cross-bar forming part of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a tumbling and twisting belt forming part of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 77 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a roller assembly forming part of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 1010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified. form of gymnastic tumbling device;

FIG. 12 is an end elevational View of a support member, carriage, and cross-arm, all constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a modified form of tumbling and twisting belt constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention;

PEG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a in g part of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the roller assembly; and

FIG. 19 is a top plan view showing the roller assembly in: an expanded position.

Corresponding reference-characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawings, which illustrate practical embodimentsof the present invention, 2 designates a gymnastic tumbling device comprising a track 4 which is supported from its ends by two A-frames 6, 8, and is adapted to guide and support a tumbling harness Ill. The A-frames 6, '8 are similar to the type used for so-ca-lled childrens back yard swing sets, and inasmuch as they are identical to one another, it will be sufficient for purposes of the present disclosure to describe only the A frame 6'. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 1, A-frame 6 includes a. horizontal cross-member 12 which is: supported at its ends by downwardly and outwardly diverging legs 14, 16, and 18, 20, legs 14, 16, and 18, 20 being connected: at their upper ends to the ends of the cross-member 12 by socket-fittings 22,. 24, or any other suitable device. Inter connecting legs 114, 16, and 18, 20, intermediate their ends to lend rigidity to the structure are cross-bars 26, 28, respectively.

Rigidly fastened to the underside of the horizontal cross-members 12 preferably by means of straps 30 is roller assembly formtrack 4 which is cantilevered outwardly beyond crossmembers 12 and is held rigid with respect thereto by braces 32. Track 4 includes a tubular member 34 having a longitudinally extending flange 36 spot welded or otherwise securely fastened to the outer surface thereof. Flange 36 extends downwardly from tubular member 34 and is turned upwardly along its lower margin in the provision of a rail-forming way or groove 38. Fastened to flange 36 at its ends and projecting over groove 38 are rubber bumper cushions 40.

Provided for longitudinal displacement on track 4 is tumbling harness 16 including a carriage 42 having a side plate 44- to which spindles 46, 48 are rigidly affixed. Rotatably mounted on spindles 46, d8 are carriage wheels 58, 52, respectively, the outer peripheries of which are contoured to fit the curve of groove 38. Carriage wheels 58, 52 are preferably molded from a synthetic resin having a low coefficient of friction and inherent corrosion resistant properties, but it should be noted the choice of materials is not critical and many other materials would serve satisfactorily. As will be seen by reference to FIGS. 2 and '5, side plate t4 is downwardly provided with an angulated retainer portion 55 which extends beneath the lower surface of flange 36 so that carriage 42 cannot be lifted upwardly out of groove 38. Retainer portion 55 integrally merges into a downwardly projecting tab 56. Pivotally carried by carriage 42 is a transversely extending cross-bar 58 which is preferably constructed from a somewhat resilient material such as hickory wood, spring steel or a suitable synthetic resin and is centrally provided on its top surface with a bifurcated bracket 59 into which downwardly projecting tab 56 fits, bracket 59 and tab 56 being swingably fastened one to the other by means of a pin 6%. At its ends, cross-bar 58 is provided with rotatable sheaves 63, 64. Rigidly secured to the upper face of cross-bar 58 intermediate bracket 59 and sheaves 6 3, 64 are stops 65, 66, each having an upwardly projecting fiange 67 provided with an aperture 68. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 2, the furcations of bracket 59 securely engage the ends of helical secondary springs 69, '70, which extend over the upper surface of cross-bar 58 and terminate in inwardly spaced relation to stops 65, 66. Springs 69, 70 have relatively low spring rates and readily extend to stops 65, 66 upon the application of a few pounds force. At their opposite ends springs 69, 76 are secured to intermediate cables 71, 72, which extend through apertures 68 in stops 65, 66, and over sheaves 63, 64 beyond which they are connected to helical tension springs 74, 76, each possessing a considerably greater spring rate than secondary springs 69, 70. The respective ends of each of springs '74, 76 are tied together by internally extending slack cables 78, 80, as best seen in FIG. 4, to prevent such springs from overextending. In this connection, it has been found by actual experiment that slack cables 78, 80 should be adjusted so that springs 74, 76 extend a maximum of 18 inches when completely supporting a 200 pound gymnast in the manner presently to be described. The lower ends of springs 74, 76 are securely fastened to the upper ends of ropes 82, 84, preferably wound from a synthetic resin material having a low coefficient of friction and high tensile strength. So-called ski rope has been found to be ideally suited for the purposes of the present invention. At their lower ends, ropes 82, 84 are provided with S-hooks 86, 88 which engage preselected links of chains 98, 92 which are, in turn, connected at their lower ends to a tumbling and twisting belt 84 by means of swivel-type harness snaps 96, 98 as will presently be described in greater detail.

Tumbling and twisting belt Q4 is slightly pliable but nevertheless always assumes an oval or somewhat elliptical configuration illustrated in P16. when free of distending forces. Such a configuration conforms to the peripheral shape of the human waist. Belt 94 includes an outwardly presented track 100 having opposed ends which are spaced approximately five inches apart when no distending forces are applied thereto. Preferably, track is molded from a somewhat rigid but slightly flexible synthetic resin having a low coefficient of friction, such as nylon, and it further includes a center portion 102 having an outwardly presented race 163. The center portion integrally merges into upper and lower outwardly diverging flanges 104, 105, which, in turn, terminate at substantially planar vertical outer edges 1&6, 107, all as best seen in FIG. 6. The inwardly and outwardly presented surfaces of each of flanges 104, 105 form races 108, 109 thereon. The inwardly presented face of center portion 182 is centrally recessed adjacent the opposed ends of track 188 so as to accommodate the shank ends of steel fasteners 118, 111, which are securely affixed therein by means of countersunk rivets 112. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 7, the exposed surfaces of the shanks of fasteners 110, 111 are flush with the inwardly presented surface of center portion 192 and are arcuately curved to conform to the oval contour of track 180. Fasteners 119, 111 are preferably fabricated from spring steel and extend beyond the end margins of track 1% where they are curved inwardly toward the center of belt 94 in the provision of hooks 113, 114. interconnecting the ends of track 1% is a bridge 116 which is preferably formed from stainless steel bent to match the areuate contour of track 1081 at the points of connection. Bridge 116 integrally includes a center portion 118 which abuts against the inwardly presented face of center portion 182 of track 18% Center portion 118 integrally merges into upper and lower outwardly diverging flanges 12%, 122, which wrap around into embracive engagement with races 188, 109, and outer edges 106, 107 of flanges 104, 185, as best seen in FIG. 6. Center portion 118 of bridge 116 is provided with a plurality of arcuately spaced rectangular apertures 124 which accept hooks 113, 114 of fasteners 119, 111. Thus, the size of tumbling belt 94 can be varied by telescopically sliding track 100 within bridge 116 and engaging various combinations of apertures 124 with hooks 113, 114. Adhesively or otherwise secured to the inwardly presented face of center portion 182 of track 109 is a peripherally extending inner cushion 126 formed from a soft material such as polyvinyl foam. Cushion 126, of course, remains free of bridge 116 and in juxtaposition thereto its ends are diagonally cut so as to form complementary overlapping end surfaces which cushion the wearer irrespective of the particular belt adjustment employed.

Mounted on track 10% for movement therearound as well as across bridge 116 are opposed support runners or roller assemblies 128, 138, which are in turn connected to chains 90, 92 by means of harness snaps 96, 98, so that belt 94- is suspended from cross-bar 58. Inasmuch as roller assemblies 128, 130 are identical in design and manufacture, only roller assembly 128 will be described herein in detail. Roller assembly 128 includes upper and lower connecting member 132, 13 which are bent in the provision of horizontal webs 136, 138, and outwardly diverging angulated flanges 139, 140. The outer end corners of angulated flanges 139, 148 are canted slightly inwardly, where they are provided with apertures 141, while the webs 136, 138 are each provided with spaced apertures 142-, all for purposes presently more fully appearing.

Interconnccting parallel horizontal webs 136, 138, in close proximity to their ends, are vertically extending pintles 143, 144, each having a diametrally enlarged cylindrical center portion 145 and reduced end portions 146, 147, which fit through apertures 142 and are peened over onto the outer faces of webs 136, 138 so as to hold connecting members 132, 134 rigidly in spaced relation to one another. Enlarged center portions 145 of pintles 143, 144 rotatably carry vertical spools 1 :8, 158 having squared-off end surfaces which rotatably abut against the inwardly presented surfaces of webs 136, 138. Spools 148, 150 are further provided at their ends with diametrally reduced end sections 152, 154, which inwardly merge into outwardly tapered shoulders 156, 158, which, in turn, terminate at a diametrally enlarged center portion 160. As will be seen by reference to FIG. the cylindrical surface of center portion 160 en ages race 103 of center portion 102 forming part of track 100 while tapered shoulders 156, 158 engage races 10 9 of diverging flanges 104, 105, respectively. Diametrally reduced end sections 152, 154 engage vertical outer edges 106, 107 of track 108 in close proximity to connecting members 132, 134. Intermediate pintles 143, 144, webs 136, 138 are interconnected by a D-ring 161 which receives harness snap 96. Securely fitted into apertures 14 1 located in the inwardly canted ends of angulated flanges 139, 140 are pins 162, 164, and 166, 167, respectively, the axes of which converge toward the center of belt 94. Each of pins 162, 164, 166, 167 is integrally provided at its free end with an outwardly projecting flange 168 and at its opposite end is turned down in the provision of a diametrally reduced end portion 169. End portions 169 fit into apertures 142 and are peened over beyond such apertures so as to rigidly secure pins 162, 164, 166, 167 to angulated flanges 139, 140. Pins 162, 164, 166, 167 carry tapered guide rollers 170, 172, 176, 178, respectively, which engage races 108 of flanges 194, 105 so that such flanges are snugly, but movably, interposed between tapered shoulders 156, 158, of spools 148, 150 and guide rollers 1753, 172, 176, 178. Guide rollers 170, 172, 176, 178. are securely but rotatably held to their respective pins 162, 164, 166, 167 by flanges 168. Inasmuch as track 100 is embraced, so to speak, between spools 148, 150 and guide rollers 170, 172, 176, 178, it is impossible to laterally withdraw roller assemblies 128, 1136 from track 1130, but assemblies 128, 1311 are nevertheless free to move around the periphery of track 1% and across bridge 116. This arrangement prevents excessive deflection of track 190 by distributing the load over a relatively Wide span thereof. Moreover, diverging flange-s 164, 105 serve as self-centering devices and correct misalignment of roller assemblies 123, 134 It should be noted that it is preferable to mold spools 148, 151 and rollers 17%, 172, 176, 173 from nylon or some other relatively hard synthetic resin having a low coefficient of friction. Finally, it should be further noted that roller assemblies 128, 130 are provided with outwardly projecting end tabs 186, 181, which are merely extensions of webs 136, tabs 180, 181 of roller assemblies 128, 139, being interconnected by an adjustable plastic rope, chain, or other suitable connecting means 182, 183, so that such roller assemblies will always remain in opposed relation to one another around the periphery of track 106.

In use, the gymnast enlarges tumbling and twisting belt 94 by releasing hooks 113, 114, and telescopically withdrawing track 1051) slightly from bridge 116. He then slips enlarged belt 4 over his hips or torso until track 109 and cushion 126 encircle his waist whereupon the opposed ends of track 100 are pressed toward one another Within the bridge 11-6, thereby causing the curved ends of hooks 113, 114 to pass over rectangular apertures 124 somewhat similar to the manner in which a ratchet pawl passes over the teeth of a rack or cog wheel. To obtain a snug embracive fit, the gymnast should inhale and draw in his stomach muscles while hooks 113, 114 are brought into engagement with the particular combination of apertures 124 ultimately used during tumbling exercises. It should be noted that cushion 126 is interposed between track 180 and the gymnasts waist to provide a comfortable fit and to prevent unnecessary chafing, abrasions, and other discomforts. Cushion, 126 further prevents the longitudinal margins of track ltmfrom digging into the users ribs, a defect commonly associated with tumbling belts heretofore developed.

The gymnast then adjusts the height of belt 94 above the ground by judiciously selecting the links of chains 90,

$2 into which S-hooks 86, 88 are hooked. When chains 90, 92 are properly adjusted, springs 74, 76 should barely support the gymnast above the ground when he bends over at his Waist and attempts to place his palms on the ground. Of course, as the gymnast becomes more proficient, the effective portion of chains 90, 92 can be lengthened so as to provide the user greater freedom of movement. In this connection, it should be noted that cross-bar 58 is of such length in relation to springs 74, 76, ropes 82, 84, and chains 90, 92, that the latter components, when supporting the gymnast, will converge toward belt 94 at approximately 45 to the vertical.

After drawing carriage 42 to one end of track 4 and into abutment with one of rubber bumper cushions 40, the gymnast is prepared to perform a variety of tumbling exercises. For example, he can, by taking a short forward run, jump upwardly and turn a flip or somersault in midair by himself, Without requiring the assistance of other persons to hold him aloft through the intervention of ropes, pulleys and the like, as has heretofore been necessary. With the tumbling device A, an instructor can give entire attention to instruction without being bothered by physically lifting and supporting the person being instructed. Moreover, tumbling device A makes it possible for tumbling to become a recreational or play-time activity which can be pursued by the individual at his own. convenience and pleasure.

Inasmuch as ropes 82, 84 and chains 90, 9'2 diverge outwardly at approximately 45, sufiicient freedom is provided for swinging the arms in any natural are without striking such chains and ropes. Moreover, when the gymnast lifts off of the ground to such a height that springs 74, 76 fully contract, much lighter springs 69, 70 will thereafter contract and take up any slack in ropes 82, 84. Of course, when harness 10 supports the full Weight of the gymnast, springs 69, 70 engage stops 65, 66, and are thereby rendered ineffective.

The learning student frequently loses his balance tending to fall sideways. The triangulation arrangement of the present design counteracts this tendency, giving ample guidance so that the student regains his balance. In fact, if the student fails to complete any attempted exercise, the equipment will keep him suspended above the ground and prevent a serious accident due to an awkward fall. Moreover, if for some reason the student gymnast has difiiculty controlling the articulation of his limbs and as a result his arms or legs impact with ropes 82, 84, he will not receive a painful rope burn, for the coefiicient of friction of ropes 82, 84 is quite low. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that cross-bar 58, being somewhat resilient, adds a certain amount of spring to the structure while the pivotal connection between tongue 54 and bifurcated bracket 59 prevents carriage 42 from rocking back and forth, so as to speak, as it traverses the length of track 4.

Of course, while the gymnast is suspended in the air by means of harness 11!, his body is virtually free for universal movement or, in other words, has 3 degrees of freedom of motion. More particularly, swivel harness snaps 96, 98 permit the belt and, of course, the gymnast too, to rotate about a horizontal axis while movable roller assemblies 128, 130 permit track 100' and the gymnast carried therein to rotate about an infinite number of axes in a vertical plane which is perpendicular to such horizontal axis. The user can tumble head-over-heels, so to speak, and at the same time twist about the longitudinal axes of his own torso. Thus, when the student gymnast becomes more proficient he can attempt such advanced tumbling exercises as a front flip with a half twist, full twists, and the like. If he loses his balance, harness 10 will arrest his fall and suspendhim in mid air without suffering a broken neck or limb.

By adding additional lengths of track 4 and additional A-frarnes to support the same the length of the tumbling run can be greatly increased. For example, two lengths of track 4 can be fitted together to form a double length by inserting a relatively tight fitting plug (not shown) into tubular members 34 of track 4 and bringing the lengths of track 4 into endwise abutment. In such an instance, only three A-frarnes would be needed to support a double length of track 4.

The tumbling device 2 can be shipped in a so-called knocked-down condition and erected with a minimum amount of mechanical skill and manual effort in a manner similar to a conventional backyard swing set.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 13, it is possible to provide a modified form of tumbling device 3% including a cable-way in the nature of trolley cables 392, which are supported from walls 364 of a gymnasium in a rectangular or other configuration by means of cable supports 336, 3%, 319, 3l2 located at the corners formed by cables 3&2. Since cable supports 3%, 3%, 31%, 322 are identical in design and manufacture, it is sufficient for purposes of the present disclosure to describe only cable support 306 in detail. As will be seen by reference to FIGS. 12, 13, cable support 335 includes a stringer 31 which is securely fastened to wall 3-94 of a building or to some other suitable vertical support. in close proximity to its ends, stringer 3% is provided with bifurcated brackets 316, 313. Swingably mounted on bracket 31? by means of a pin 32th is a horizontally presented brace 322, the end of which is interposed between the furcations of bracket 315 Intermediate its ends brace 322 is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 323 for purposes presently more fully appearing. Angularly connecting bracket 316 and the opposite end of brace 322 is a tie-rod 324 which is swingably pinned to bracket 316 intermediate the furcations thereof by means of a pin 325 and is secured to the opposite end of brace 322 by means of a bolt 326 which further rigidly fastens a cylindrical stanchion 327 to the upper surface of brace 322. Rigidly secured to the outer end of brace 322 is a corner member 328 having an arcuate flange 329 which engages cables 302 at its ends and intermediate its ends flange 3.2-? is curved in the provision of a gently contoured corner. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 13, cables 302 extend across corner member 328 and cross substantially perpendicular to one another. Cables 362 are further trained around stanchion 327, beyond which they are provided with hooks 33%) which engage a cable tightener 331. Cable tightener 331 is provided with a hook 332 at one end which engages apertures 323 of brace 322 and at its other end is provided with a shank 333 having spaced apertures 334 located therein which apertures receive hooks 33d of cables 362. Interconnecting shank 333 and 100k 332 is an over-center clamp 335 optionally reducing the length of cable tightener 331 so as to draw cables 302 taut. Thus, trolley cables Sti l are supported in upwardly spaced relation from the building floor and outwardly from walls 3% thereof by cable supports 3%, 338, 310, 312. It should be noted that trolley cables 392 can be removed from the suspended position above the gymnasium or building floor when it is desired to use the gymnasium or building for purposes other than tumbling, merely by releasing over-center clamps 335 so as to loosen cables 302 and then removing hooks 339 from apertures 334. After the cables 302 are removed from cable supports 3%, 3%, 31%, 312, the latter can be swung against wall 304 so as not to interfere with other activities.

Trolley cables 302 when suspended from cable supports 3G6, 383, 310, 312 support a plurality of tumbling harnesses 336 which are very similar to tumbling harnesses 1t) and are each provided with a tumbling and twisting belt 338 which is identical to tumbling and twisting belt 9 3. Each tumbling harness 336 includes a carriage 339 having a side plate 340 rigidly provided with two axleforming pins 342 which rotatably carry carriage Wheels 344 having peripheral grooves 34-6 of somewhat arcuate cross-sectional shape. Grooves 34-6 engage cable 302 and prevent lateral displacement of carriage wheels 34 with respect to cable 362. Side plate 340 integrally merges into a horizontally extending intermediate retainer portion 3d? which extends beneath and in close proximity to cable 302 so as to prevent removal of cable 392 from peripheral grooves 346 of carriage wheels 344. Retainer portion 347 integrally merges into a downwardly projecting tab 348 which is swingably pinned to a bifurcated bracket 349 securely mounted on the upper face of a cross arm 350. In all other respects tumbling harnesses 336 are identical to harness It) and are used in a similar fashion.

Tumbling device 3% is primarily for institutional use where it is desired to instruct groups, such as high school gym classes, in the art of tumbling. it affords a method by which an instructor can teach an entire class. More particularly, each student selects a harness 336 and places tumbling and twisting belt 338 thereof around his waist in the manner heretofore described. The students spread themselves out at equal intervals around trolley cables 3%2 and proceed to execute various tumbling exercises while traversing separate cables 3 2 located between cable supports 3%, 308, 310, 312. Of course, it is not intended that the students perform exercises as the corners are negotiated for harness 336 is merely walked around the corners, so to speak, in which case carriage wheels 344 will merely ride up on and over flanges 329 of corner member 32.8. By use of tumbling device 3% it is possible for one instructor to adequately instruct an entire class in the art of tumbling.

It should be noted that harness 336 is adapted for use on trolley cables and that such cables can be suspended between trees in a backyard or between rafters in a basement and the use of tumbling device 3% is, therefore, not necessarily limited to institutional applications.

Refering now to FIGS. 14 through 19, it is possible to provide a modified form of tumbling and twisting belt Hill which can be used with either tumbling harness 10 or harness 336. Belt 4% includes a track 4%2 formed preferably from a slightly flexible synthetic resin having a low coefficient of friction. Track 492 when free of distending forces assumes an oval shape which conforms substantially to the configuration of the human waist, and its free ends are spaced approximately five inches from one another. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 15, track 432 is of a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape having upper and lower outwardly converging races 4%, 46d, and is relieved from its outwardly presented face in the provision of a peripheral rectangular groove 4&3 which accepts a continuous flexible band 410 also of rectangular cross-sectional shape, but having a perimetral size somewhat greater than track 4'82. Adhesively secured to the opposite face of track 402 is a peripherally extending inner cushion 412 formed from a soft material such as polyvinyl foam. Connected to the downwardly presented surface of track 492 and extending transversely across belt itltl are leg straps 413.

interconnecting the free ends of track 402 is a bridge 414 which is preferably formed from a corrosion resistant metal and is arcuately bent to match the contour of track ltlZ at the points of connection. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 15, bridge 414 possesses a cross-section configuration which enables it to fit telescopically over the ends of track 492. It further is provided with upper and lower outwardly converging races 416, 418, which form continuations of races 404, 4% of track 402. Interposed between races 416, 413 is a groove 420 which aligns with groove 4% and accommodates flexible band 410. It is apparent that the size of belt 4% can be quickly and conveniently altered to fit different individuals merely by sliding the ends of track 4&2 telescopically within bridge 414. in this connection, it should be noted that inner cushion 412 remains free of bridge 414 and in juxtaposition thereto is diagonally cut to form complementary overlapping end surfaces which cushion the wearer irrespective of the particular belt adiustment employed.

Movably held on track 402 in laterally projecting relation thereto by flexible band 410 are support runners or roller assemblies 434, 436. Inasmuch as roller assemblies 434, 436 are identical in design and manufacture, only roller assembly 434 will be described herein in detail Roller assembly 434 includes upper scissor links 438, 440, which are located in upwardly spaced relation to lower scissor links 442, 444. Extending between upper links 438, 440 and lower links 442, 444 is a pintle 446 which is turned down at its ends in the formation of shoulders 448, 450, and diametrally reduced end portions 452, 454. End portions 452, 454, respectively, extend through upper links 438., 440 and lower links 442, 444, so as to pivotally join the same one to the other in the formation of scissor-like linkages. It should be noted that the outwardly presented ends of dimetrally reduced end portions 452, 454 are countersunk into links 440, 442, so as to remain flush with the respective outer surfaces thereof while shoulders 448, 450 prevent links 438 444 from sliding axially on pintle 446. Swingably secured to pintle 446 is a D-ring 456 having apertured ends which fit around the cylindrical surface of pintle 446 adjacent links 438, 444. D-ring 456 is adapted to engage a swivel-type harness snap such as harness snaps 96, 98 of tumbling device 2. Rotatably mounted on pintle 446 intermediate the apertured ends of D-ring 456 is a cylin drical spool 458 which is relieved in the formation of a diametrally reduced center portion 460 and upper and lower flange-forming rims 462, 464, rims 462, 464 being spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of band 410.

At their opposite ends, links 438, 442, and 440, 444 are respectively interconnected by pintles 466, 468, which are turned down at their ends in the provision of shoulders 470, 472, and diametrally reduced end portions 474, 476, end portions 474, 476, being countersunk into links 438, 440, and 442, 444, so as to be flush with the outwardly presented surfaces thereof. Shoulders 448, 450 maintain links 43?, 440, and 442, 444 in rigid spaced relation to one another. Rotatably mounted on pintles 466, 463 are rollers 478, 430, each having diametrally enlarged end rims 482, 434, which inwardly merge into inwardly tapered shoulders 486, 488, which, in turn, terminate at a diametrally reduced center portion 490. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 17, center portion 490 engages the outwardly presented edges of track 402 while tapered shoulders 486, 488 ride on the upper and lower converging races 404, 406, of track 402.

Intermediate pintles 446, 466, scissor links 438, 442 are rigidly provided with perpendicularly projecting pins 492, 494, respectively, and similarly intermediate pintles 446, 468, links 440, 444 are provided with pins 496, 498, respectively. Operatively disposed on scissor links 438, 440 is a cross-link 500 having elongated apertures 502, 504, which slidably receive pins 492, 496, respectively, the heads of pins 492, 496 being peened over on top thereof. Similarly, scissor links 442;, 444 are interconnected by a cross-link 506 having elongated apertures 503, 510, which slidably accept pins 494, 4%, respectively, the heads of pins 494, 498 also being peened over against the outer face of link 506.

Band 410 is trained through roller assemblies 434, 436, as best illustrated in FIG. 16. More paiticularly, band 410 is drawn out of groove 408 and immediately engaged with the opposed cylindrical surfaces of center portions 490 of rollers 473, 480 Therebetween band 410 is trained around the outwardly presented cylindrical surface of diametrally reduced center portion 460 of spool 458. Thus, roller assemblies. 434, 436 are free to roll along track 402 and bridge 414 with rollers 478, 480v in. engagement with the outer surfaces thereof. Of course, as runners 434, 436 roll around track 402, the portion band 410 between rollers 478, 480 will be lifted out of groove 408 and passed around spool 458. Finally, it should be noted that roller assemblies 434, 436 are provided with outwardly projecting tabs 512, 514, which are respectively fastened to the ends of scissors links 438, 444, tabs 512, 514 of roller assemblies 434, 436, being interconnected by an adjustable plastic rop cha n, or other suitable connecting means 516, 518, so'that they will always remain in opposed relation to one another around the periphery of track 402.

In use, the tumbling belt 400 is slipped over the gymnasts hips with leg straps 413 engaging the legs and precluding further upward travel of belt 400. At this point, belt 400 is presented somewhat loosely around his waist and is held in place generally by the inner cushion 412. Moreover, when the belt 400 is in the expanded position, so to speak, the links 438, 440*, and 442, 444 will be spread somewhat as illustrated in FIG. 19. It should be noted that in this position pins 492, 494, 496, 498 are located near the outer ends of elongated apertures 502, 504, and 508, 510, which limit the lateral deflection of scissor links 438, 442 and 440, 444, which, in turn, prevent further spreading of rollers 478, 480. Belt 400 is tightened merely by tugging lightly on D- rings 456 which causes the same to move toward the position illustrated in FIG. 18 wherein band 410 is drawn further through roller assemblies 434, 4316, which, in turn, causes the ends of track 402 to slide telescopically toward one another within bridge 414. l

The gymnast is free at this point to perform a variety of tumbling exercises as heretofore discussed. The swivel connections of harness snaps 96, 98 permit freedom of rotation about a horizontal axis through belt 400. Moreover, if the gymnast desires to incorporate twists into his tumbling exercises, he may do so without any impedance from belt 400 whatsoever, for when he twists or rotates about the horizontal axis of his torso, roller assemblies 434, 436 will merely travel. around the periphery of track 402, being held against it by flexible band 410. If for some reason the gymnast loses his balance and cannot control his fall, the support ropes of the harness at a point during the fall will become taut and thereby exert laterally directed opposed forces on D-rings 456 of roller assemblies 434, 4.36. These forces will pull spool 458 outwardly thereby causing links 438, 440, and 442, 444 to close, so to speak, bringing rollers 4'78, 480 close to one another all as best seen in FIG. 16. Of course, as rollers 478, 400 approach one another the portion of the band 410 in contact with track 402 is reduced causing the ends of track 402 to slide further into bridge 414, whereupon track 402 and cushion 412 are urged into snug embracement with the gymnasts waist. In other words, when D-rings 456 of roller assemblies 434, 436 are subjected to outwardly directed forces the effective perimetral size of band 410 is reduced which, in turn, bears against and contacts track 402, so to speak, urging the same into snug embracement with the gymnasts waist. Thus, what otherwise might be a hazardous fall is averted and the gymnast is merely left suspended in air by belt 400 and supporting harness structure. In this connection, it should be noted that inner cushion 412 provides a soft contact with the gymnasts body and prevents the track 402 from digging into his waist or ribs.

Belt 400 is easily emplaced about the gymnasts waist inasmuch as there are no bothersome hooks. or buckles to manipulate. Moreover, leg straps 413 prevent the belt from riding up over the gymnasts torso. Of course, it will be apparent to anyone skilled in the art that belt 94 can. also be provided with leg straps.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and. other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying; drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A tumbling device comprising a single carriage way, means for supporting the carriage way in upwardly spaced relation to a man-supporting surface, a carriage mounted on the carriage Way for movement therealong, a belt adapted to snugly embrace a tumblers waist, and means for supporting the belt from the carriage at a preselected height above the man-supporting surface whereby a tumbler will be supported by the belt if he loses his balance and falls while practicing tumbling exercises, means disposed between the belt supporting means and the carriage for preventing rotation of the belt supporting means about a vertical axis, and means between said belt supporting means and said belt for allowing free rotation of the belt about a first axis perpendicular to the plane of the belt and about a second axis perpendicular to said first axis.

2. A tumbling device according to claim 1 in which the means for supporting the tumbling belt comprises a cross-bar secured to the carriage and extending transversely with respect to the way and cord-like elements interconnecting the ends of the cross-bar and the belt.

3. A tumbling device according to claim 2. including a horizontal pivot pin for swingably connecting the cross-bar to the carriage and wherein the cross-bar is located beneath the way whereby the carriage will remain in engagement with the way irrespective of torsional forces applied about the longitudinal centerline of the cross-bar.

4. A tumbling device according to claim 2 in which the cross-bar is substantially longer than the width of the belt so that the cord-like elements diverge away from the belt.

5. A tumbling device according to claim 4 in which the cord-like elements include springs for absorbing shocks applied to the belt.

6. A tumbling device according to claim 5 in which the cord-like elements are provided with adjusting means for optionally altering the length thereof so as to change the height of the belt above the man-supporting surface.

7. A tumbling device according to claim 2 in which the carriage is provided with wheels and the way comprises a linear tubular element having a flange fastened to the surface thereof, the flange being upturned in the provision of a longitudinally extending groove in which the carriage Wheels ride.

8. A tumbling device according to claim 7 in which the means for supporting the way comprises A-frames having cross-members located in upwardly spaced relation to the man-supporting surface, and means suspending the way from the cross-members in underlying relation thereto.

9. A tumbling device according to claim 2 in which the way is a taut cable and in which the carriage is provided with wheels, the peripheries of which are grooved for acceptance of the cable whereby the carriage wheels will ride on the cable.

10. A tumbling device according to claim 9 in which the cable is supported by cable supports securely fastened to a vertical supporting member, said cable supports comprising an outwardly protruding member, means for detachably fastening the cable to the outwardly protruding member, and means for tightening the cable.

11. A tumbling device comprising a carriage way, means for supporting the carriage way in upwardly spaced relation to a man-supporting surface, a carriage mounted on the carriage way for movement therealong, a belt adapted to snugly embrace a tumblers waist, and means for supporting the belt from the carriage at a preselected height above the man-supporting surface, said means including spaced cord-like elements connecting said carriage and belt, whereby a tumbler will be supported by the belt if he loses his balance and falls while practicing tumbling exercises, said tumbling belt including a belt track formed to fit snugly around a tumblers waist and roller assemblies mounted on the belt track for movement around the periphery thereof, the roller assemblies being swivelly connected to the cord-like elements whereby the belt track is supported above the man-supporting surface and has three degrees of freedom of motion.

12. A tumbling device according to claim it in which the belt track has two opposed free ends and further characterized by a bridge interconnecting the free ends, the roller assemblies being adapted to move across the bridge.

13. A tumbling device according to claim 12 in which the free ends of the belt track are engageable with the bridge at a plurality of locations along the bridge whereby the size of the belt track is optionally adjustable for accommodating waists of varying size M. A tumbling device according to claim 13 in which the belt track includes a center portion having an outwardly presented center race and first and second outwardly diverging flanges each having first and second races and free end edges, and in which the roller assemblies comprise a frame, spools rotatably mounted on the frame and having surfaces which engage the center race of the center portion and the first races of the flanges, and rollers rotatably carried by the frame for engaging the second races of the flanges whereby the roller assemblies are free to move about the periphery of the belt track and across the bridge but cannot be withdrawn laterally therefrom.

15. A tumbling device according to claim 14- in which each of the spools have a diametrally enlarged substantially cylindrical center portion which engages the center race of the belt track, diametrally reduced substantially cylindrical end portions which engage the free end edges of the track, and tapered shoulders interposed between the end portions and center portions, the shoulders being in engagement with the first races of the flanges.

16. A tumbling device according to claim 15 in which the rollers engage the flanges at positions on the second races substantially opposite the positions on the flanges where the tapered shoulders of the spools engage the first races.

17. A tumbling device according to claim 12 in which the belt track is provided with an outwardly opening groove and in which the roller assemblies each comprises a spool located in outwardly spaced relation to the belt track, link members pivotally carried for swingable movement about the axis of the spool, and rollers rotatably carried by the link members and being in engagement with the belt track, the belt being further characterized by a flexible band fitted in the groove and having a perimetral size which is greater than the perimetral size of the belt track, the band being trained around the spool and over the roller assemblies whereby the roller assemblies are held against the outer surface of the belt track.

18. A tumbling device according to claim 12 in which the belt track is provided with first and second races and an outwardly opening groove interposed between the races and in which the roller assemblies comprise scissor linkages, a spool rotatably carried by the scissor linkages about an axis coincident to the axis of the scissor linkages, and first and second rollers carried by the scissor linkages in inwardly spaced relation from the spool, the rollers being in engagement with the first and second races and being adapted to move toward and away from one another on the scissor linkages, the belt being further characterized by a flexible band fitted in the groove and having a perimetral size which is greater than the perimetral size of the belt, the band being trained around the pool and in between the rollers so that it is lifted out of the groove immediately beyond the leading roller and fed back into the groove immediately before the trailing roller as the roller assembly advances around the 13 periphery of the belt track whereby the roller assemblies are held against the outer surface of the belt track.

19. A tumbling device according to claim 18 in which the first and second races outwardly converge toward one another and in which the rollers are provided with tapered shoulders which engage the first and second races.

20. A tumbling device according to claim 12 and further characterized by a cushion-like element fastened to the inwardly presented surface of the belt track and extending inwardly across the bridge.

21. A tumbling device comprising a carriage way, means for supporting the carriage way in upwardly spaced relation to a man-supporting surface, a carriage mounted on the carriage way for movement therealong, a belt adapted to snugly embrace a tumblers waist, and means for supporting the belt from the carriage at a preselected height above the man-supporting surface whereby a tumbler will be supported by the belt if he loses his balance and falls while practicing tumbling exercises, said belt supporting means comprising a cross-bar secured to the carriage and extending transversely with respect to the way and cord-like elements interconnecting the ends of the cross-bar and the belt, said cross-bar being substantially longer than the width of the belt so that the cordlike elements diverge away from the belt, said cross-bar being provided with sheaves at its ends and spring stops located inwardly from the sheaves, said cord-like elements comprising first tension springs rigidly fastened at one end to the cross-bar intermediate the stops, intermediate cables connected to the opposite ends of the first springs and extending past the stops and over the sheaves, so that when tensile forces are applied to the intermediate cables the opposite ends of the first springs will be drawn toward the stops, the stops being adapted to limit extension of the first springs, second springs fastened to the intermediate cables beyond the sheaves, and adjustable connecting elements interposed between the belt and second springs whereby the second springs absorb shocks accompanying tumbling exercises and the first springs take up slack in the connecting elements after the tumbler rises to a height in which the second springs are nearly fully contracted.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 332,945 12/1885 Rice 272-70 2,107,377 2/ 1938 Howland 272-60 2,496,748 2/ 1950 Pond 272-60 2,725,853 12/1955 Nordheim.

2,812,010 11/1957 Abdallah 27260 2,977,118 3/1961 Farkas 272-60 3,085,357 4/ 1963 Nissen et al 272-60 3,330,052 7/1967 Johnson et a1. 35-29 X FOREIGN PATENTS 43,032 9/ 1930 Denmark. 1,328,412 4/1963 France.

156,208 1/ 1921 Great Britain.

ANTON O. OECHSL-E, Primary Examiner. RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Examiner. A. W. KRAMER, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A TUMBLING DEVICE COMPRISING A SINGLE CARRIAGE WAY, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE CARRIAGE WAY IN UPWARDLY SPACED RELATION TO A MAN-SUPPORTING SURFACE, A CARRIAGE MOUNTED ON THE CARRIAGE WAY FOR MOVEMENT THEREALONG, A BELT ADAPTED TO SNUGLY EMBRACE A TUMBLER''S WAIST, AND MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE BELT FROM THE CARRIAGE AT A PRESELECTED HEIGHT ABOVE THE MAN-SUPPORTING SURFACE WHEREBY A TUMBLER WILL BE SUPPORTED BY THE BELT IF HE LOSES HIS BALANCE AND FALLS WHILE PRACTICING TUMBLING EXERCISES, MEANS DISPOSED BETWEEN THE BELT SUPPORTING MEANS AND THE CARRIAGE FOR PREVENTING ROTATION OF THE BELT SUPPORTING MEANS ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS, AND MEANS BETWEEN SAID BELT SUPPORTING MEANS AND SAID BELT FOR ALLOWING FREE ROTATION OF THE BELT ABOUT A FIRST AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO THE PLANE OF THE BELT AND ABOUT A SECOND AXIS PERPENDIUCLAR TO SAID FIRST AXIS. 